The Pros and Cons Between SSD vs. HDD

In the past, gamers only had to check the specs of a laptop or a desktop to see if it met their computing and gaming needs.

Then came SSDs.

When solid state drives (SSD) became available, it added more options to a prospecting computer buyer as SSDs make a huge difference in a computer’s performance.

But are SSDs really an improvement over their older counterparts, the hard disk drives (HDD)? If so, how big is their improvement and is it worth the cost?

For those who are still choosing on what drive to buy, consider some of these points on the differences between an SSD and an HDD.

SSD and HDD Briefly Explained

Most computers had a hard disk drive (HDD) for storage. It was only until recently that SSD was introduced.

HDDs have been around for a long time, and in terms of reliability and data storage security, the newer SSD system is favored for better performance, especially for people looking to get a gaming laptop or a desktop.

There’s no easy way to say which is better as it depends on a person’s specific needs and budget.

In terms of function, SSD and HDD both do the same job. They both store permanent data on the computer which allows the user to retrieve, read, or delete it anytime.

The difference between the two is how efficient they are in performing the same function.

HDD Pros and Cons

The HDD technology has been around since the 1960s. It is a digital storage device mainly composed of a magnetized metal disc that spins in order to access the information inside it.

The most noticeable feature of a computer or a laptop with an HDD is the sound of humming, which comes from the spinning of the disc.

SSD Pros and Cons

The solid state drive is a digital storage device that feature no moving parts but has flash memory instead. It acts similarly to a USB drive where data is stored in microchips.

The main advantage of the SSD is its lightning quick data retrieval because of the absence of mechanical movement. Instead of a spinning disc, the SSD relies on a controller in order to read and write data.

No spinning disc means that there is little chance of file corruption or loss. It is durable enough to withstand bumps and rough handling with little to no damage at all.

Furthermore, SSDs don’t produce as much heat and is safe from the effects of nearby strong magnets.

However, most people find SSD technology less affordable and limited when it comes storage options.

Although SSD is becoming more available and cheaper than before, HDD technology is still widely used and more abundant in most markets, especially for computers and laptops.

New vs. Old Tech

Tech enthusiasts who know the advantage of using an SSD know that HDD storage is still valuable.

While most low to midrange computers utilize HDD, there are those who opt to use a combination of the two.

The limited, more expensive SSD can be used to store the operating system, because it is less prone to failure. The HDD can be used for everything else.

But at the end of the day, a gamer’s decision still depends on their need and budget.

Guest Author: Madeline Yeoh is a writer, a cosplayer and game enthusiast. She loves anything related to technology and is addicted to cats follow her on Twitter.